Nature's Remedy

Limited Edition Giclee print. Image size 320x 250m Including Matt Size 500x380mm

Kawakawa (Macropiperexcelsum) grows like a weed and pops up everywhere, closelyaccompanied by its little companion the kawakawa looper caterpillar who chewsinteresting patterns into the leaves.

The fruit, bark and leaves of the kawakawa all have medicinalproperties and the boiled leaves alone make a most refreshing tea – especiallythe leaves which the caterpillar has nibbled. They are the best for making tea.

Kawakawa is one of the most important healing herbs used byMaori.  The leaves are chewed fortoothache and externally it can be used to heal cuts, boils bruises, rheumatismand nettle stings.  Boiling the leavesand bark makes an infusion used for the treatment of skin problems such aseczema.

What a magical and useful shrub.

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